New to fifth wheels

[rustynut7]

Btw great looking rig

[Jerry01]

Originally Posted by Oakman

Oh good grief not another weight police thread. The model the OP is taking about has a UVW of just 8440 and pin weight of 1640. His 2500 Chevy with the 8.1 liter engine will handle that fifth wheel just fine. How about adding some constructive comments about the model he is thinking about buying.

Thank you! My thoughts exactly. Why does every thread asking about a 5th wheel end up this way? The OP just asked if he/she needed a slider hitch and info on the RV. Btw that big block is a beast and with the 4:10 gears can actually pull 200 lbs more than my diesel stock. Jerry


Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums

[Joe O]

I am also new to Fifth Wheel and have talked to a buddy of mine that has a 39ft Montana. He had the regular fifth wheel hitch and about 4yrs ago he bought a new duelly Ford and got a Reese Folding Gooseneck hitch with and Andersen Gooseneck Adapter for his fifth wheel and said he would never go back to having to haul that big heavy fifth wheel hitch in and out of his box everytime he wants the use of his box.
That's the way I'm going with my new 2015 2500HD Silverado as I am not a big guy so removing that big hitch everytime I want the use of my box (6.5ft) is not an option.

[Mikehend]

Originally Posted by rustynut7

My 8.1 has a 3.73 rear w posi

Double checked the specifics of my manual for the 8.1 with the 3.73 rear end (long box, extended cab).

3.73 Axle - 13,400 lbs Max Trailer weight / 20,000 GCWR
4.10 Axle - 15,400 lbs Max Trailer weight / 25,000 GCWR

Did a brief search of the trailer specs of the unit you're picking up...looks fairly similar to mine, which would lead me to think that, with the 3.73 rear end, you might be pushing it just a bit more than mine (that I listed in the previous post), but still within the limits.

To your original post (an already answered by others)...No, you don't need a slider with the long box. In fact, I have a regular box (6.5 ft) and really don't have any problems and don't use a slider. I just don't pull 90 degree jack knifes, but I can get pretty sharp as it is...maybe 80 degrees? Most of the time I don't to back anything that tight anyway. Plus, many of the new units (like my Sabre) are putting curves into their front caps to help with just that issue on shorter bed trucks.

Final note...I setup a block and tackle from the ceiling joists of my garage to lift out the hitch when I need to use the full bed...only takes me about 10 minutes...pull the lock pins from the rails, hook up the block & tackle and lift it out...wife pulls the truck forward and I drop it on to a dolly and roll it out of the way. Works great!

Hope these tidbits help!

[iowasparrow]

Originally Posted by Joe O

I am also new to Fifth Wheel and have talked to a buddy of mine that has a 39ft Montana. He had the regular fifth wheel hitch and about 4yrs ago he bought a new duelly Ford and got a Reese Folding Gooseneck hitch with and Andersen Gooseneck Adapter for his fifth wheel and said he would never go back to having to haul that big heavy fifth wheel hitch in and out of his box everytime he wants the use of his box.
That's the way I'm going with my new 2015 2500HD Silverado as I am not a big guy so removing that big hitch everytime I want the use of my box (6.5ft) is not an option.

They have a new aluminum ultimate hitch, that is the way to go. Super light weight, they have a video of a young girl taking it out and tossing it around. I have the steel one and I like it better than a 5th wheel plate. I have unrestricted use of my bed in a few minutes. no rails to deal with.

The only reason I say this is because some people don't like the ranch hitch adapter since it changes the geometry of the pin box to truck connection. Either one would work fine.

[donniedu]

Originally Posted by Joe O

I am also new to Fifth Wheel and have talked to a buddy of mine that has a 39ft Montana. He had the regular fifth wheel hitch and about 4yrs ago he bought a new duelly Ford and got a Reese Folding Gooseneck hitch with and Andersen Gooseneck Adapter for his fifth wheel and said he would never go back

You really really need to be careful. Lippert does not recomend nor approve of goose neck adapters. The added sress placed on the frame has created lots of peoblems in the past few years.

[BamaBob]

Originally Posted by Jim34RL

That funny, Ram says that the 2014 and 2015 diesel with an automatic transmission equipped 2500 can tow up to a 17,000 LB trailer. They must be wrong!!!

I do not really like blanket statements they are usually incorrect.

Right. For a Diesel.

However, the OP said their TV was a Gasser

So, no blanket statements...maybe just a washcloth though

[donniedu]

Originally Posted by HSVBamaBob

Right. For a Diesel.

However, the OP said their TV was a Gasser

So, no blanket statements...maybe just a washcloth though

Funny, quoting specs on a new Ram diesel when the OP has an old Chevy gasser.

[Mr. Dan]

Originally Posted by Jim34RL

That funny, Ram says that the 2014 and 2015 diesel with an automatic transmission equipped 2500 can tow up to a 17,000 LB trailer. They must be wrong!!!



I do not really like blanket statements they are usually incorrect.

Are you saying the OP's 2500hd Chevy is really a Dodge?


Sent (I think)

[rustynut7]

Thanks that's very helpful . Happy Camping

[rustynut7]

Btw , what is a gooseneck adapter?

[donniedu]

It is a long pole that connects the trailer to a ball mounted to the floor of the truck. Used extensively by large horse trailers and some other farm trailers. Lippert and other frame manufacturers void their warrenty if one is used as they place more sress on the frame in the pin box area. And their frames are not speced ot designed for them.

[TURBS]

Originally Posted by rustynut7

Btw , what is a gooseneck adapter?

TURBS
08 duramax tuned n modded, 32bhok Sabre
2015 camping "4 nights"

[rustynut7]

Thanks for that, won't be going that route

[silverback 35ts]

You have the same truck I have, 8ft beds do not use a slider, only short beds. You are good to go Happy Camping